
UEEN': 



^i&Bid 











PS 






; : :"yi\' ' . ■;■ •;•:=' •■; :'.':.'']' -^^ ^. ' 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

Chap... Copyright No.. 

Shelf..'^?//^''^ 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 




QUEEN'S RIDDLE 



A COMEDY 

IN 

FOUR ACTS 

BY 



Claude R. Buchanan. 




^;^,,H OF 00/v!7^> 






Grand Rapids, Michigan. 
Published by C. R. Buchanan. 

1896 

All rights reserved. 



T^ 



coptkight, 1896, 
Bt Claude R. Buchanan. 



QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 



SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY. 

ACT I. 

Gardens of King Arthur at Camelot. 

ACT II. 

Throne room at King Arthur's Court at Camelot. 

ACT III. 

Scene 1. Forest Scene. 

Scene 2. Mount Snowden, in Wales. 

ACT IV. 

Audience chamber at King Arthur's Court at Camelot. 



DRAMATIS PERSON/E. 

King Arthur, Nicholas J. Hoey. 

Sir Florent, William A. Andersch. 

Sir Gregory, Hugh B. Cavanaugh. 

Teacup, Paul P. Davis. 

Old Man, John J. Lane. 

Jack John J- Lane. 

Guinevere, Nellie McKee. 

Vivien, Louise La Valliere. 

Julia, Theresa Goebel. 

First Witch, Paul P. Davis. 

Second Witch, John J. Lane. 

Catherina, Adeleine M. Mills. 

Witches, wizards, pages, attendants, peasants, ladies 
of the Court, devil. 

Produced at Power's Opera House, Grand Rapids, 
Michigan, April 22nd, 1896. 



QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

ACT L 

Gardens of King Arthur. 

Vivien. 

A short time ago I was an humble damsel of the 
lake. Quickly I jumped to gentlewoman, then easily 
became a lady of the Court, second alone to Guinevere, 
and now I see my way direct to the Queen's robes! 
I will be Arthur's queen. Teach me, O Merlin, to be 
wise and cunning! (writing) "My dear G." — 
"Pardon my failure"—" to meet you here yesterday." 
—"I shall not fail to meet you at three."— "F." 
Those are his f's, his ss, his r's and y's. Anyone will 
say it is the handwriting of Florent. This note will 
set the King on fire, if he hnd it. (Drops the note.) 
And find it he will, for he is coming directly this way. 
How many a king is but a paltry slave! And he is 
mine. 

Exit.]— L. 1 E. 

King enters.] — R. U. E. 

King. I'd give the richer part of all my kingdom 
to know— (Kicks note.) What's this? (Picks it up.) 
Eh? What do I see? (Reads.) "My dear G"— 
That means Guinevere! "Pardon my failure to meet 
you yesterday ; I shall not fail to meet you at three." — 
••F." Florent's own handwriting. At three! It is 
already three ! 

[Vivien enters.] — 'L. 1 E. 

Viv. My Lord ! 

King. (Puts note quickly aside.) Vivien! Where 
is the Queen ? 



10 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. , 

Viv. We lately parted — there she is with Florent! 
(Points R. 2 E.) 

King. Ah, as I thought! 
I hold him, Vivien, a rogue, a trickster, 
A janus-faced, unchivalrous humbug! 

Viv. Wh}', what now, my lord? 

King. If the rogue lays not siege to Guinevere — • 

Viv. Can you think so, my lord? 

King. Call me most stupid, blind, a visionnaire — • 
And belike she loves him. 

Viv. Why think you so? 

King. Her eyes are ever dancing jigs with his. 
At balls, at feasts, they never fail to meet. 
One night I heard her cry in her sleep, "Florent!" 

Viv. Our dreams they say, most go by contraries. 

King. To-day I saw upon the inside cover 
Of one of her choice books, in her own hand. 
Scribbled as if in thoughtlessness, the names 
"Florent and Guinevere." Is't not suspicious? 

Viv. I know not what to say. 

King. She dropped her handkerchief at our last 
tourney. 
Florent's quick eye saw it and brought it her. 
Their coquetry that day lasted an hour. 
So, Vivien, I do mistrust them both. 

Viv. I've seen nothing amiss. She means no 
harm. 
I think her firm in her fidelit}'. 

King. I'll hazard the richest gem within my 
kingdom 
That she's enamored of this Knight Florent. 

Viv. I'll stake my hand against your precious gem 
That she is true, unalterably true. 
The honored head that wears a nations cares 
Deserves all love an earthly queen can give. 
He whose hard labors, far away, bring joy 
For those at home, his sweetest hours lost, 
Deserves his lady's love when he returns. 

King. And he who tricks him of it deserves damna- 
tion. 



ACT I. 



11 



Viv. My lord, if I were Queen and loved another 
I'd call my love a tumor, cut it out, 
And dedicate anew the poor remainder 
To serve my lord anew with purer love. 
I do not think your Queen could love another. 
King. Fair Vivien were fit to be a Queen. 
Viv. I — ^I a Queen ! Ha, ha, ha ! la Queen ! A 
Queen .^ 
No, no, my lord ! If your good Queen prove false, 
Forswear the sex, that is not what it seems. 
la Queen! Ha, ha, ha! Perchance a mate for you? 

Ha, ha ! 
Come, Arthur, listen while I give advice! 
I pray you be not jealous, good m}' lord. 
Until you have the proof before your eyes! 

King. See then the proof. (Shows the note.) 
Here is a note, read it. 

Viv. (Reads.) Ah, this is strange ! "To G" and 
signed by "F." 
And yet these grounds are open to the public, 
And there are many "G's" and many "F's." 
This argues nothing. 

King. (Pointing) Are they not together, 
And at the hour of three, the hour appointed? 
Viv. I'll not believe it till before my ej'es 
I see them making love with manv sighs. 
But see, my lord, the Queen and Knight are coming! 
King-. Let us step back and stay here unobserved. 
I do not like eavesdropping, good my lord. 

Come, come ! 
Well, for the love I bear you, I will stay. 
King and Vivien retire up L. ] 
Enter Queen and Florent. ] — R. 2 E 
Guin. Why am I choleric to-day? Because my good 
lord goes moping, moping about, hearing nothing, 
saying nothing, greatly troubled of late about some 
weighty matter which he says is not for my ears. 
Now, am I Queen and worthy of such treatment? 
Flo. Indeed not. 



Viv. 

King. 

Viv. 



12 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

Giiin. When I was married, I thought I married 
Arthur. 
But he's wedded to his people and his Knights; 
He has no wife. I am his housekeeper. 
I lighten evening hours 

When he may have a brief month's respite home; 
I sometimes chase away his melancholy ; 
The silent King — I sometimes make him prattle ; 
Grave as he is, I sometimes make him sportive. ^ 

But, he's wedded to his people. 
When he's at home his mind is far away. 
Life is too short to live with a mute man. 

Flo. Gently, Madame, rate not your lord too 
harshly. The cares of state annoy him, incessant war 
follows close at his heels, with the loss of some of his 
best Knights, slain or imprisoned. 

Giiiii. Methinks it is none of these things — 

EIo. Then, belike it is some perilous quest, some 
new adventure, or some new plot 'gainst his throne, 
that torments him. 

Gtiin. He hath little fear of these things. 

EIo. — 'Or dread of witchcraft, fear of enchanted 
robes or magic horns, that bring discord and destruc- 
tion to his court. 

Guin. None of these things. I think, disturb him. 

Flo. Then, belike, hath Cupid smitten him sore 
and stolen away his senses. 

Giiiii. Arthur in love? (Laughs.) He cares not 
a whit for the whole female sex, and has no time to 
love. 

Flo. No time to love ! Who has no time to love 
Is either knave or fool. 
All of us live to love and be beloved. 
Damsel, knight, yeoman, peasant, queen and king, 
All have their time and place and circumstance, 
Each in their way, they love and have their lovers. 
While your lord sulks, and thus forgets himself 
And you, I'll proffer to be your knight, 
If you do will it. 

For while I live, our matchless Guinevere 
Shall not go unattended, unadmired. 



ACT I. 13 

Giiin. Thanks for your gallantry and knightly 
courtesy. 
You have a silvery tongue I love to hear. 

Flo. If Arthur heard you speak those words, dear 
Queen, 
He would pluck out my tongue within an hour. 

GuJn. Not while I live will he pluck out that 
tongue. 
Farewell ! I must return. 

[Queen exit.]— R. 2 E. 

Flo. Adieu! (Kisses her hand. ) 

[Enter Gregory.] — L. 2 E. 

Greg. Ah, here you are, 
A number of our friends are cracking bottles 
Of choice old Saxon wine — yonder in the arbor. 
Come, sip a glass or two ! 

Flo. I'll join you. 

I have something to tell you, Gregory. 
[Exeunt.]— L. 2 E. 
[King and Vivien come forward.] 
King. By heaven, I've heard enough ! 
Viv. 'Tis all her fault. I'll hate her from this 
hour.— 
I had not thought of it until this moment. 
Here is a handkerchief the queen just loaned me. 
My eyes were full of dust and mine was missing. 
'Tis strange she should forget this tender token. 
You see the "F."— Alas, I pity you! 

King. (King examines and crumples it, then thrusts 
in pocket. ) 
Her guilt is now past question. I'll be revenged ! 

Viv. Say absolutely nothing yet, my lord. 
Patiently watch your opportunity. 
We'll soon contrive some plan — 
King. I feel the qualms of hell! — 
V^iv. — -to be revenged on him, and cast her off. 
'Tis best, Arthur, that this be kept most secret. 
No one should know it saving you and me, 
Until the time. Then let the world know it. 



14 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

King. I'll cast her off! — And be revenged on him! 
[Leaves.]— R. U. E. 

Viv. Now let it work. At last I've roused the lion. 
And heaven, kind heaven, 
Smile upon Vivien and make me Queen. 
I do not often pray, so heed my prayer. 
Grant, oh kind heaven, to make me Arthur's Queen. 
I hear the rabble's shouts mount to the sky, 
"Long live Arthur and long live Vivien!" 
He says he'll be revenged. I'll help him to it. 
His sweetest, swiftest vengeance sure must be 
To cast her off, and then to marry me. 
I will contrive to let the King see more. 
And by this coquetr}' I will dethrone her! 
Exit.]— L. 
Enter King and Teacup. J — ^R. 2 E. 

King. Teacup, in all my reign I have not had a 
whole month's rest. The cares of state are heav}' ; 
and when at last I return home for a few weeks, like 
Ulysses, I must stand aside and see some miscreant 
make suit to my Penelope. 

Tcac. Is it possible ? 

King. I, too, am culpable, for Merlin warned me 
not to marry her. 

Teac. What, Guinevere? 

King. He named another damsel, but I told him 
my heart was set on Leodogrance fair daughter, that 
I would have no other. 

Teac. What did Merlin say? 

King. He heaved a fearful sigh; said she was too 
beautiful ; would put me to great sorrow ; and mumbled 
something about Sir Launcelot. I do retain your ser- 
vices. (Pays him. ) 

Teac. Retain me? 

King. This insolent cur, Florent, must leave the 
realm. Yet I would not banish him on mere suspicion, 
or do aught that is dishonorable ; I only seek ample- 
most proof, and then to do full justice; and that I shall 
do, whatever be the cost. 

Teac. Yes, my lord. 



ACT I. 



15 



King. Sift the case to the uttermost and then report 
to me. 

Tcac. 1 will, my lord. 

King. If the knight be culpable in this, he may be 
guilty of some other offence, and, if so, we might 
prefer some other charge, exile him, prevent a mighty 
scandal in the realm, and I could privately deal with 
Guinevere as might seem best. 

Tcac. I understand, my lord. 

King: Now will I find whether this Queen and 
recreant Knight have sold themselves to Satan. I will 
not damn the Knight and Guinevere until I prove that 
they have damned themselves. Tho' it be hard, tho' 
I do think them guilty, I'll hold them guiltless both 
until I prove it. Look you, Teacup ! 

Tcac. Ay, my lord ! 

What think you Teacup, is the Queen hand- 



Ki)lo; 

some ? 
Tcac. 
Kinp: 



She looks most beautiful to-day. 
I thought so once, that she was angel-fair; 
and now, her perfect features I see no longer. I only 
behold a deceiving e3'e, a borrowed beaut\', a studied 
grace. In everything I see an imperfection. I do 
despise, I hate, I loath her, Teacup, I loath her ! 

Tcac. My lord, do not take this misfortune too 
seriousl}'. 

Kijig: Too seriously ? — A month ago was peace, 
to-day, damnation. 

Tcac. I think, my lord, your Knight is culpable, 
but not your worthy Queen. 

King-. Prove it. Teacup, prove it, and a thousand 
pounds are yours! And I will scourge myself and do 
great penance, and achieve some mighty quest to atone 
for my fierce jealousy. And now you know your busi- 
ness. Have all your wits. Farewell! 
King exit.]— R. 2 E. 
Enter Vivien.]— L. 1 E. 

Viv. Teacup, a word. 

Teac. Certainly, madame. 

Viv. I do retain you. (Pays him.) 

Tcac. Retain me ? 



16 



QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 



Viv. To watch the Queen. Let me know when 
she comes, when she goes, and particularly what she 
says to Florent ! 

Teac. I will, madame ! 

Viv. They are carrying on a brisk flirtation, but 
the Queen is more to blame. 

Teac. Ay, madame. 

Viv. The King is mightily wroth with the Knight, 
too, and will have him banished. Now, do not delay, 
nor search too long ; you know what's wanted ; so like 
a true lawyer, make your testimony fit your case ; you 
do not need much law, only a little testimony, a few 
hirelings. Watch him closel}', and you'll soon trip him 
and forever ingratiate yourself into the good will of 
Arthur. 

Teac. I will, madame. 

Viv. You could force a quarrel with him, cudgel 
him for any trifle, arrest him on the slightest pretext, 
have a few friends by, and Arthur will banish him from 
the Kingdom. 

Teac. I will, madame. 

Viv. Let me see, I forgot to pay you. 

Teac. I believe so. (Vivien pays him again.) 

Viv. Breach of the peace, assault and battery, 
embracery, any misdemeanor or felony you can stumble 
upon, get enough charges in the complaint to make it 
serious, do not leave out felonious assault, and I'll trust 
the King to banish him. 

Teac. I will, madame. 

Viv. Pay your witnesses in advance. Here, I had 
forgotten the witnesses. (Pays him.) You under- 
stand your business. Have all your wits — ^not too 
scrupulous, not too scrupulous! 

Teacup and Vivien exeunt.] — ^R. and L. 
Florent and Gregory enter.] — L. 2 E. 

Flo. A glorious tongue-loosener is wine. 
Do you feel it? — I drank a trifle too much. 
I'll tell you something, Greg, but first I warn you 
Do not repeat a word ! I am in love ! 



ACT L 17 

(song. ) 

I fear not the shrill-voiced trumpet's alarms, 

I fear not the clangor of mighty arms, 

1 fear not the feuter of any lance, 

Alas, I'm unhorsed by a maiden's glance! 

I love her ! 
Alas, what is this pricking me sore. 
This painful thumping at my door 
By night, by day? It is my folly 
That both in mirth and melancholy, 

I love her ! 

Alas, can it not be that I, 
While searching every nook I fly, 
Shall chance some day her to espy. 
Shall dare to tell her eye to eye, 

I love her? 
If we should chance to meet some day, 
I shall not quake and run away! 
I'll dress me to her on the spot. 
Tell a plain story, sir, why not? 
I love her ! 
Three days ago I passed a girl on the street. 
I'd give half that I own to know her name. 

Greg: I'll take you at your word, half of your goods, 
if I but learn her name. Make haste, describe her ! 
You have not learned whether her voice be sweet, her 
intellect bright, whether she hath that exquisite grace 
and general perfection which distinguish the inane 
visage of a doll from a real woman. 

And how's her tongue? Wait till she starts that 
going ! 
There's many a maid I could devoutly love 
If I had never seen her mouth in motion. 

Flo. I have no fear. Her tongue will be perfection. 
Greg-. How are her eyes? 

Flo. Fine, large, lusterful, denoting great intelli- 
gence. 
G)'eg\ How is her gait, not this modern dip, I hope. 
(Imitates.) 



18 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

Flo. Lord, no! Straight as an arrow! 
But Gregory, her glance ! Oh Ceres, Minerva, Venus ! 
Why, she will drive me mad! I cannot sleep! 
I have set eyes on one I know to be 
Fairer than Egypt's Queen or Leda's daughter! 
Greg. Who is that yonder? 

[Julia appears in background, ] — R.U. E. 
Flo. As I live, 'tis she ! 
Greg. Well, do not rush off to her, fool ! 

[Julia crosses stage in background. Exit. ] 
— L. U. E. 
For heaven's sake man, let her alone ! 

Flo. Dear Greg, let go! Excuse me for today. 
I'll hnd out who she is without delay. [Exit] — L. U. E. 
Greg. Venus is the breeder of more lunatics than 
all the other gods combined ! 

(Laughs.) Assuredly, I was a fool to give Florent 
the wine ! — • 
A fool in love will hit reproof in the eye. 
Tweak judgment by the ears, scorn doubt, and dash 
His brains against impossibility! 
But love and wine combined make him stark mad. 
He'll go to jail without me! [Exit.]— R. 2 E. 

[Re-enter Julia, followed by Florent.] — 

L. U. E. 
[Teacup and others appear at sides with 
sticks. ] 
Flo. Pardon me, girl. 
yid. Certainly. What was it, sir? 
Flo. You know me, Sir Florent? 
Jul. Ay, sir, I know of you as being a right valiant 

Knight. 
Flo. I have a word to say, but know not how to 
* say it. 

Jul. If you will give me your thought, I think I 
have a ready tongue that will express it. 

Flo. Well then, in brief, if you were in love with a 
Sir Knight, how would you have him woo you? 

Jill. (Laughs.) Knowing you, sir, to be a valiant 
Knight, and true and honorable, I will tell you truly. 
For I see, sir, you are sorely in love with some fair girl. 



ACT I. 19 

Well, sir, I would have him take me by the hand, 
thus, and whisper in my ear, "I love you." Then, 
sir, would I have him kiss me! (Laughs and starts to 
leave.) 

J^lo. Wait! Methinks you are a girl of no little 
wit. What is your name? 

ytil. My name, sir, is Julia. 

/^/o. Now, Julia, is that all you would have the 
Knight do ? 

ytiL Nay, after that let him say whatever love 
would prompt him to say. (Starts to leave.) 

J^/o. Wait! 1 beg you teach me further. Now, 
first I take your hand, then whisper in }our ear, "I love 
you," then — (Kisses her.) 

7?//. Oh, sir— 

J^/o. I'm practising, and must not omit one single 
detail. 

yn/. You are a very apt pupil, sir, for an amateur, 

/'lo. If I act well, then I pray you teach me further. 

yul. I fear I cannot. Your gestures, carriage, and 
voice are excellent. 

/7(9. Then I may hope to win my lady. Now tell 
me what to say to her. 

yn/. Always speak as the heart may dictate, and 
you will win your way straight to her heart. 

J^/o. Then that part I can perform without a 
prompter. Julia, I cannot leave until I say I've never 
met a maid of half your worth. 

yu/. (Laughs) You are no amateur, sir, you are 
an old actor, and I fear you're somewhat given to 
flattery. 

J^/o. Nay, not a bit. I speak the very truth. And 
now, by knightly honor, I make oath, you are the very 
first that I have loved ! 

yuL Oh, what a fib! 

J^/o. 'Tis true ! 

yi(/. You are merry to-da}-, sir. 

jF/o. I am most serious. 

yul. I fear you came to mock me. 



20 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

Flo. No, no! Believe me when I say, I think 
You're proof that heaven still visits earth. 
That gods in happy seasons mingle here. 

'Jul. Am I a goddess then? (Laughs.) 

Flo. Yes, you are a goddess. 
Never has the queen of love in heaven or earth 
Watched the soft slumbers of a fairer brow. 

Jul. (Draws away.) You would not marry such 
as me. Sir Knight, 
And would you trifle with an humble girl? 
They say that noble knaves ascend to gods, 
But what's more pitiable than a woman wronged? 
Go, find some lady of the court, Sir Knight. 
You are courtier, sir, a Knight, a warrior. 
You're known and honored all the country over. 
How can you marry me, a peasant girl, 
Undowered, humble, fatherless and poor? 

Flo. I'll make you lady, or renounce my office. 
I'll be your father and your husband too. 
My dearest girl, I love you from my heart. 

(He embraces her.) 
[Teacup, Punch and Jack come forward. ] 

Teac. (Strikes him on left shoulder.) What is the 
trouble, sir? 

Flo. Trouble? 

Jack. (Strikes him on right shoulder. ) Yes, what 
difficulty? 

Flo. Difficulty ? 

Teac. We regret this affair, sir. 

Flo. Regret what? 

Jack. Yes, we are sorry. 

Flo. Sorry for what? 

Teac. This trouble. (Beat him.) 

Flo. Away! — Know you not me, I am Sir Knight 
Florent? What mean you, churls, by this insolence? 
I'll treat you all as worthless, drunken brawlers. Come 
on. I give you leave to strike. (Advances. They 
scatter.) Come, rogues, off with 3'OU. You've carried 
this practical joke far enough. Come, be off. 
(Advances. They scatter. ) 



ACT I. 



21 



Teac. Help ho ! Hello ! Help ho ! Murder ! 
Jack. Help ho, Murder! 

Ragamuffin crowd enter.] 

All three advance boldly. Teacup strikes 
him on shoulder. | 

Teac. We arrest you, sir, in the name of the King! 

Flo. Me? Florent.^ This is some great blunder, 
sir, and it is a rank disgrace to be dragged before the 
King. 

Teac. Sir, you must balance this account with the 
King. 

Mo. Produce your warrant. 

Teac. (Three confer together.) No warrant is 
necessary. You have committed a breach of the peace 
in the presence of the officer. 

Flo. What breach ? 

Teac. I will not argue it, sir. Also assault and 
battery, sir. 

Flo. Assault on whom? 

Teac. On the girl, of course. Also, embracery, sir. 

Flo. Embracery ? Have I been attempting to 
corrupt judge or jury ? 

Teac. Who said anything about judge or jury, sir? 
You have been clasping a girl in your arms, laying on 
your hands in a circum-stantial manner, which is a gross 
misdemeanor, a felony. So is resisting an officer, and 
all other acts against the peace of the King and the 
laws of the realm. But we are not tr3ing you, sir, we 
are arresting you. 

Flo. Rogues, I'll be revenged. 

Teac. How? 

Flo. By catching and cudgelling each one of you 
within an inch of your lives. 

Teac. Are you an artistic cudgeller? 

Flo. Watch! For as sure as to-morrow's sun rises, 
I will some day catch you and give you such a trounc- 
ing as — 

Teac. You catch and cudgel me? You? Me? 
Ha, ha ! 

Flo. Would you prefer hanging ? 



22 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

Tcac, I saw him lately hanging by the neck, and I 
call him a poor hangman. 

Flo. Come, let us be serious. You talk of breaches, 
assaults, misdemeanors and felonies, that I have wronged 
the girl. The girl acquits me of the charge, do you not ? 

ytd. Certain!}', I do acquit him. 

Flo. You know my lineage. You know I fought 
with Arthur against the Gauls and Romans. Think 
you today I've suddenly turned knave, that you today 
should disgrace me before the King? When I was 
page, my mother taught me courtesy, modesty, obedi- 
ence, respect, love and reverence for womankind, and 
think you I would insult a woman? And, when at 
twenty-one, my sword was blessed and hung about my 
neck, and I was given spear, helmet, shield and spurs, 
and Sir Launcelot du Lake, that flower of all knight- 
hood smote me on the neck and dubbed me a Sir 
Knight, I swore b}- St, Michael and St. George forever 
to be a protector of womanhood, especially the widow 
and the orphan, and think you I would insult an orphan 
maid? Come, let us part friends, and call this day's 
circumstance a capital joke. 

(Extends his hand to Teacup.) 

Tcac. 'Twill be a most serious joke, for you must 
appear before the King. 

Flo. The direst disgrace that can befall a knight is 
a notorious arrest and an arraignment at the King's 
palace. You smirch my honest name, tarnish my 
Knighthood, bandy my name about the realm as a com- 
mon brawler arrested by a common petty constable and 
his parasites ; disbar me from the court; disfranchise 
me from the fellowship of the Knights of the Round 
Table. Come, are you men or are you hirelings? 

Teac. You must settle this, sir, with the King. 

Flo. Very well. Fall into line! I will lead the 
van. Let the ragamuffins and scullions come next ; 
then the rogues and hirelings; then the imbeciles and 
poltroons. Let the buffoons and idiots come last. I 
will abide the law, and one and all, I defy you. I'll 
trust my case to Arthur. 

Curtain. 



ACT II. 

Audience room of King. Throne. King seated* 
Pages on either side of King. Teacup, Punch, Jack, 
Florent and Julia discovered. 

Tcac. Hear ye, the Court of Arthur, King of 
Britain, suhduer of Saxons and Germans, conqueror of 
Ireland, Iceland, Norway and Gaul, is now in session. 

King. What is the complaint? 

Tcac. (With paper.) Charge one: A disturber of 
the public peace, in a public quarrel with a peasant 
girl, one Julia, in the public gardens of your honor. 
Second charge: Embracery, or the act of putting ones 
arms around a person of the opposite sex. 'Tis 
certainly a grievous and heinous offense to put ones 
arms about a girl, but, strange to say, I find no statute 
against this kind of embracery, doubtless because the 
thing is so rare; possibly because such a thing never 
occurred before. But embracery is a gross mis- 
demeanor, is it not, your honor? 

King. You confound embracery and embracement. 

Tcac. Is there any difference ? 

King. Embracery is an attempt to influence a jury, 
court, etc., corruptly, by promises, persuasions, 
entreaties, money, entertainments or the like. What 
you mean is embracement, which is a clasp in the arms, 
a hug, an embrace, and is one of the rankest offenses 
known to the common law, subjecting the offender to 
heav}' fine, imprisonment, and even expatriation. 
Proceed with the complaint. 

Tcac. Third charge : Osculation, or the act of kiss- 
ing a person without special request. The reported 
cases are very rare, sire, but this offense is prohibited 
in any form, there being three forms : involuntary 



24 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

osculation, osculatory insinuation and osculatory enforce- 
ment. Involuntary osculation, as where a lady throws 
a kiss to a Sir Knight without his consent, or a Sir 
Knight to a lady without her consent; fine, five to ten 
pounds, according to the vexation. Osculatory insinua- 
tion, as where a lady steals a kiss from a Sir Knight, 
or a Sir Knight steals one from a lady partly without 
consent, and wholly without invitation; fine, ten to fifty 
pounds, according to the aggravation. In Gareth v. 
Elaine, et al., the 5th of Arthur, page 42, three ladies 
had the audacity to approach the Knight on the street 
and kiss him before he could run away, and thereupon, 
the Knight, very much abashed, and blushing deeply, 
made complaint to your honor, swore out a warrant, 
had them arrested, and notwithstanding their protests 
and entreaties, your honor fined them each fifty pounds 
and costs. Lastly, osculatory enforcement, as where a 
Sir Knight kisses a lady violently and against her will, 
which is the case at bar, is punishable by a fine of one 
hundred to five hundred pounds, according to the 
provocation. In the 6th of Arthur, page 62, a Knight 
was fined two hundred pounds for kissing a girl. The 
fourth charge is assault and battery. The fifth, 
felonious assault. Sixth, grievous and aggravated 
blasphemy. Seventh, resisting an officer. Eighth, a 
civil action will lie against the Knight for heavy puni- 
tive or exemplary damages for the injured feelings of 
the girl, the wounded pride, indignity, insult, mortifica- 
tion and humiliation. 

King. What say you, Florent? 

Flo. If the court please, not guilty. Some enemy 
of mine has trumped up these false charges. 

King. Who are the complainant's witnesses? 

Teac. We six. 

King. Proceed with your testimony. 

Teac. We caught the Knight in the act of assaulting 
the girl in the public gardens. 

Flo. The rascal lies. 

King. How is it, men? 

Crowd. True, your honor. 



ACT IL 25 

Tear. Thev exchanged blows; was it not so? 

Crozvd. True, true. 

Tcac. She was trying^ to bite him in the face, and 
he was choking her as we rushed in. 

King: How is it, men? 

Crozvd. True, your honor. 

Teac. He also swore most foully, attempted to bribe 
us, and after we had arrested him in your Majesty's 
name, assaulted us, producing wounds about our heads 
and bodies as 3'our honor sees. 

KIo. My lord, I think some devil has suborned 
these fellows to traduce me. I used no blasphemy, 
made not the slightest suggestion of a bribe, never 
struck them a blow, nor did I wrong the girl in word 
or deed. 

King. What say you, Julia? 
Jul. What the Sir Knight has said is true. 

King. Men, does the girl speak true or false? 

Crowd. False, false ! 

King. Can you vouch for her veracity? Have you 
known her long ? 

Flo. Not long. 

King. How long have you been acquainted? 

Flo. Only to-day. (Crowd jeers. ) 

King. What business had you with her, sir? 
Flo. None, your honor, except — \ was much taken 
with the girl. (Crowd laugh and jeer.) 

Teac. Your honor, he laid hold of the girl, and said 
some vile thing, did he not? 

Crozud. He did, your honor. 

Flo. My lord, is this a trial, and must I stand abashed 
and silent before this crowd of parasites, hirelings and 
perjurers, whom some enemy of mine has hired to 
appear here and ruin me? Is not my word and that of 
the girl, good against this motley crowd? 

King. You plead the general issue. Have you any 
special plea ? 

Flo. I plead fraud, conspiracy, subornation in the 
procurement of these charges, I further state, that 



26 QUEEN'S RIDDLE, 

being much taken with the girl, I asked her for her 
hand. I love the maiden. (Loud laughter and jeers 
from crowd.) 

King. Your plea is put forth gingerly, I must say. 
Have you any other witnesses.^ 

Elo. None, your honor. 

King. Are all the eye witnesses of this affair here? 

Teac. Yes, your honor. 

King. Does the complainant rest? 

Teac. We rest. 

King. Does the defendant rest? 

Flo. I rest trusting that your Honor will regard the 
word of a Knight and of an honest maid more highly 
than that of a hundred rogues. 

King. The testimony stands six to two. You, 
Florent, and the girl are interested parties, and I must 
hold your testimony lightly. Here, I tind six disinter- 
ested men, eye witnesses of ttie affair, and I must give 
their testimony great weight. True, you say they are 
hirelings, but until you prove them such, I must regard 
them as honest men. Florent, I needs must find you 
guilty of base conduct, an attack on the girl, the 
penalty of which cannot fall short «f banishment from 
the realm. 

[R. 2 E. — Enter Queen who sits b}' side 
of King, and Vivien who sits at her 
feet.] 

Elo. My lord, you cannot mean this! 

King. The burden of proof rests heavily upon your 
shoulders. Florent, your guilt seems clear be3'ond 
exception, clear. 

yid. I pray you, let not your judgment on my 
account be so rigorous that the Knight must be 
banished. If you deem him guilty of an}' offense, I 
freely forgive and acquit him. 

King. I judge him worthy of banishment, girl. 

Jul. I pray you be lenient with him. No noble 
soul would censure you for sparing the Knight this 
disgrace. 



ACT 11. 27 

Flo. Girl, for that kind word, a thousand thanks. 

King: He is plainly worthy of banishment. 

yul. My gracious lord, to clothe thyself in the 
habiliments of pity, to spare the Knight this ignominy 
were an act worthy of a gracious sovereign. 

jFIo. Girl, I can never pay you what I owe. 

Kino: I see you love this Knight. 

yul. I fear 3'ou love him not. But if you force me 
to it. some day I may put in a plea of guilty to that 
charge, and learn to love this Knight. But, your 
honor, I have heard that once in each year, all the 
Knights of the Round Table are solemnly sworn to 
show mercy to those who ask for mercy, and now we 
ask for mercy for this Knight. 

Kitig: What would you do if you were King, and 
deemed this Knight guilty of this offense? 

yiil. Your honor, having discovered that this is a 
woman's case, I would transfer the matter to your most 
worth}' Queen and to the female senate, and let the 
Council of the Queen decide it. (All laugh.) 

[King, Queen, Vivien rise and move from 
their seats. ] 

Giiin. What is the crime which calls for banish- 
ment.^ 

King. He assaulted a maid and has disgraced his 
name, 
Bringing reproach on me and on our court. 
I swear I'll free our land from all such rogues. 
No maid shall be insulted unavenged. 

I7z'. Is not a brief imprisonment enough? 

King: Too light. 

Giiin. I doubt if he be guilty of aught else save 
indiscretion. 

Viv. I, too, my lord. 1 beg you promise that this 
Knight shall stay. 

Gitin. Husband, you must. 
I do implore, if still I have some share 
Of that great love with which you wooed me once, 
Spare us this Knight. 



28 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

Kinor, Why, Guinevere, I hear he has made suit 
To one of the fair ladies of your court. 
I hear his strong affection is returned, 
But this same lady has a worthy spouse, 
And would you have your court so scandalized ? 

Guin. Who, who is she? 

KinZ' I shall not give her name. 

Viv. Believe no idle rumors, good my lord, 
I do not think the Knight would stoop so low. 
I hold your Knight Florent, one of the best 
Who loves his lord, to serve him unto death. 
Now, Arthur, hear our prayer we both implore, 
Let him remain. (Kneel.) 

Giiin. My gracious lord, since you have seen this is 
A woman's cause, (Kneel) 
Therefore, I pray you, let our sex decide. 
Let this case be transferred to the female senate. 

Viv. Yes, let the Council of the Queen decide. 

Giun. We'll sift the matter. We'll satisfy your 
lordship. 

King. I leave this case with you on this condition, 
That you and all the female court agree. (They rise.) 
Not one dissenting vote. Your verdict must be 

unanimous. 
I leave the case also on this condition. 
That he shall roundly smart for this offense. 
(Aside.) These female juries alwa3-s disagree. 

[Exeunt King and crowd.] — L. 2 E. 

Giiin. Vivien, go call the female court. 
[Exit Vivien.]— L. 2 E. 

Flo. Here, madam, is the maiden. 
Guin. Knight Florent, I hear, partook too freely of 
wine, and as a merry prank made love to you. 
J^d. He seemed most sober. 
Elo. (Aside to Julia.) I was. 
Guin. It was all a joke ! 
yul. He seemed most earnest. 
Elo. (Aside to Julia.) I was. 
Guin, He loves another. 



ACT 11. 29 

yuL He spoke as if he loved me alone. 

Flo. (Aside to Julia. ) I do. 

Giiin. He would not marry one of your station. 

yiiL He made me think he would. 

Flo. (Aside to Julia.) I will. 

[Slips hand behind her. Florent kisses 
it repeatedly. ] 

Jul. (Aside to Florent.) If you love me, why, say 
so to the Queen. 

Giiin. What is that ? 

Flo. (Aside.) Oh, what will come of this ! (Steps 
between them.) Pardon me. I^ — -I — (Aside to 
Julia.) The Queen thinks I am in love with her. 
(Julia and Florent laugh.) (Aside to Queen.) She 
still thinks I am in love with her, and perhaps I am. 
(Florent and Queen laugh.) 

Gain. Oh — 

JuJ, Oh— 

Flo. Oh— (All laugh together.) 

[Enter Ladies of Court, with Vivien.]. — ■ 
R. 2 E. 

Guin. Florentius's case, or rather persecution, has 
come to issue before my lord ; a crowd of hirelings 
bore false witness, and the King summarily convicting 
him, has adjudged him worthy of banishment. 

1st Lady. Is't possible? 

2nd Lady. 'Tis cruel ! 

3rd Lady. 'Tis terrible ! 

Guin. I cannot understand the humor of my lord in 
this affair. 

1st Lady. 'Twas too precipitate. 

2iid Lady. He gave the Knight no time for his 
defense. 

3rd Lady. Some jealous enemy seeks spiteful 
revenge. 

Guin. But I have not delivered the news. 

Ladies. News? 

Giiin. The case, by the clemenc}' of my good lord, 
Has been transferred to the female court. 



30 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

All. To us? (Laugh.) 

Ladies. How did it come about ? How did it happen ? 

Guin. This girl suggested it. (Laugh.) 

2nd Lady. Methinks she is a girl of no little wit. 

Gtiin. I esteem her highly. As for the Knight, I'll 
vouch for his veracity and innocence. The girl acquits 
him, do you not? 

Jtd. Most assuredly I do acquit him. 

Gain. Now let us do full justice to the cause, 
And win fair name and fame with all mankind. 
All Britain will be waiting to learn our verdict. 

1st Lady. The King has paid a great compliment to 
the Female Court. 

Giiin. Well, let us summon all our wit, wisdom and 
cunning, for we must outwit the King. I'll present 
this ring to the lady who can best tell us how we can 
save this Knight from banishment, for m}- lord says 
Florent must suffer for the offense, or leave the reahn. 

Flo. Tho' innocent, madame, I am willing to suffer 
any trial of Knightly skill, labor or hardship, that your 
fraternity may elect. So do what to your Female 
Court seems best. I will most cheerfully submit to 
your decision. 

[Exit.]— R. 2 E. 

1st Lady. This Knight, madame, is no culprit. 

2nd Lady. Let him achieve the quest of the Holy 
Grail. 

Gtiin. He would return like many other Knights, 
disgraced. If Launcelot has failed, can he accomplish it ? 

Lady. Let him slay the giant on St. Mighel's mount. 

Gnin. What, that monster that feeds on human 
babes; that wears the beards of fifteen vanquished 
Kings embroidered on his coat; that monster, 'that 
devil in human form. It were sure death. 

Lady. No feat of arms will do. 

Jul. I have heard, madame, that every Knight 
from Britain to Palestine regards trial by combat the 
highest tribunal for the settlement of guilt or innocence, 
of right or wrong. Am I correct? 



ACT IL 31 

Guin, Most certainly you are. 

yuL I have also heard that your code of female 
chivalry prizes a ready tongue and quick wit. Am I 
correct ? 

Giiin. Indeed you are. 

^id. Then this occasion affords great opportunity 
to put your code of female chivlary to test. Instead of 
trial b}' combat, let the Knight have a trial of intellect. 

All. Excellent! Excellent! 

Giiin. What trial shall he make? 

Jul. Give him a riddle. (All laugh.) 

Ladies. A riddle ! A riddle ! 

Guin. What riddle shall we give him ? 

yid. Ask him, "What do the women love the best?" 

Guin. Yes, what do the women love the best, who 
knows? 

yuJ. You can make show of anger and severity, 
And with dissembled hate you can declare 
He shall be exiled if he fail to answer. 
But the Female Court being his gentle judges 
You can shout "Amen" to anything he says. (All 
laugh. ) 

Ist Lady. Excellent. 

2nd Lady. We have hit it. 

3rd Lady. She is unsurpassed. 

Guin. What if he hesitate ? 

yul. Give him a year in which to solve the riddle. 

Guin. One of you summon Florent. (Exit lady,) 
— R. 2 E. Another the King. (Lady leaves.) — L. 
2 E. Here, Julia, take the ring. You have well 
earned it. 

[Enter Florent— R. 2, King— L. 2 E. ] 

King. Well, Guinevere, will you pass on the case? 

Guin. (Mounting the throne.) Yes, my lord, I 
will. 
Sir Knight Florent, though you deserve exile. 
We'll spare you from that foredecreed disgrace. 
Your home you now may ransom at a cost. 

L'lo. What is the cost, most worthy Queen? 

(Reaches for his money.) 



32 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

Gii'ni. We have a task for you to perform to gain 
your freedom. 

Flo. I will gladly and quickl}' perform it, letting 
nothing stand 'twixt me and liberty and full acquittal. 
What is the task? 

Guin. The task we give you is to solve an ancient 
riddle. 

Flo. A riddle? I am not versed in riddles. Come, 
let me joust with the Knights of Arthur's Table Round, 
despatch me to some distant shore to rescue some fail 
maid from imprisonment, or let me avenge the death 
of some of our lost Knights. But do not shame me 
with some simple riddle, and make me the laughing 
stock of all mankind. 

Guin. The Female Court have just decided that 
you must solve a riddle to gain your freedom. 

Flo. What, then, is the riddle? 

Guin. What is it, sir, that women love the best? 

Flo. What does a woman love the best? 

Guin. Ay, sir, what does a woman wish for most? 

Flo. 'Tis love, I think, that women most desire. 

Ki)ig: Your reason, sir? 

Flo. My reason is, life without love is naught. 

Guin. Well said, Florent. My lord, a noble answer. 

King. A noble answer ? It's preposterous. 
Wh}", love's a common marketable product. 
'Tis daily bought and daily sold for a song. 
An ounce of gold outweighs a ton of love; 
And wealth, position, rank, how few have them ; 
The labor of a lifetime scarcely wins them. 
Then, 'tis only now and then along the ages 
That one is blessed with the wondrous gift of fame. 
Thus fame, 'tis sure, outranks all other gifts. 

Guin. My lord, you err in speaking for yourself. 
Men may desire fame above all things, 
But women all prefer a steadfast lover. 
Fame, rank, position, wealth, may charm the men; 
'Tis love that reigns supreme o'er female hearts. 

King. What woman would not sell out at her price ? 



ACT II. 33 

Guiu. Shame, shame, my lord ; you talk outrage- 
ously. 

King. What woman would refuse to mate a King? 

Giiin. There's man}- a one would scorn to marry 
you. 

Flo. Have you forgotten, King, a fatlier's love .^ 
'Have you forgotten, too, a mother's love? 
And know you not what filial love is, King? 
And love of friend for friend, call that to mind. 
And love of man for maid, know you not that? 
As all our race hates death, so at the altar 
Of life ascends one constant smoke of incense 
In prayer to him who giveth us all life. 
That we may live to love and be beloved. 

Guin. The Knight is right, — ^what can 3'ou say to 
that? 

King. All trumpery, all hocus-pocus, Queen ! Where 
did you gathel" all this nonsense, sir? 

Guin. No matter, Arthur, 'tis immaterial. We'll 
settle this dispute without your help. 

King. Well, ladies, let us hear. Is the Knight 
right? Come, Clara, what think you ? 

Clara. I pray excuse. 

King. Not so, out with it! 

Clara. If I spoke for myself, Vd^ let love go and 
' take position and rank. 

King. What say you, Kate? 

Kate. I humbly do confess, I'd prefer wealth. 

King. What say you, Vivien ? 

Viv. I'd much prefer honor and fame for mine. 

Guin. Go, Knight, and search for a better answer, 

Flo. Alas ! I am no riddle solver, nor versed in 
gypsies' art and magic. 

Guin. Well, then you have a year to solve the riddle. 
We give you leave to question all mankind. 
If one year hence your answer be not given. 
You shall depart, and all your goods be forfeit. 

Flo. What one thing is it that women love the best? 
Now have I struck a knot that is the toughest 
That ever yet was tied. 



34 



QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 



What fool would ever think to ask a woman 
What it would be that she would like the best? 
Madame, the female heart I do not know. 

Guin. Then go and get acquainted with it, sir. 
J pray you, sound it well. You will learn much. 

Elo. I fear, madame, my fate is foreordained ; 
That never again shall I see Camelot, 
And never again behold the old familiar 
Faces of this court. I am an outcast! 
I'm in disgrace and shame and ignominy. 
Come, let me joust with Arthur's valiant Knights 
Until I reach m}' end and die a Knight. 

Guin. There's something greater than to die a 
Knight, 
And that's to die a man. 
Your first and highest duty is to be 
Both to yourself and all mankind, a man. 
I know you are a Knight, and valiant, too. 
I know, sir, too, you are a gentleman ; 
But whether you be a man, ay, that's the question. 
He who dehes calamity and fate, 
And with an arm of steel and heart of gold 
Rises superior to fickle fortune, 
Listens to conscience, intellect and God, 
Him, him I would rejoice to dub a man. 
Bestir thyself! Be a man and solve this riddle! 
Curse not thy fate ! Take courage. Knight Florent. 
Thy fate is in thy hands, so fare thee well. 

[Queen and ladies exeunt. ]^ — ^R. 2 E. 
[Florent sinks on seat.] — ^L. C. 
Curtain. 





-^^< 




ACT III. 

A wood. Dusk. 
L. I. E. — [Enter Julia clad as a boy. An old man.] 

yul. Come, let us halt and rest an hour here. 
(Sitting.) 
I think they err. I fear that he has left. 

O. M. Julia, come here. Look yonder. Who is 

that? 
yul. Only another stranger. Note his cloak. 
(Returns and reclines.) 

O. M. This is the third time I have been deceived. 
(Near her.) Poor girl, asleep! Poor rash and loving 

thing ! 
I once could ford the loudest roaring stream, 
And merrily mount up beyond the clouds. 
I once could bear heat, cold, fatigue and hunger, 
Hungrier thirst I could endure with joy 
To reach that heaven built on woman's love. 
As heaven dies with woman, mine is gone ; 
Soon I shall meet her in that far-off land. 
At best, our heaven hangs on slender threads. — ■ 
How I have groaned, aching in every limb, 
(Song, "What can an old man do but die r" Tom Hood. ) 
And yet this foolish girl makes no complaint. 
The soul of woman in a frame of man 
Had thrice two thousand years ago completed 
The cycle of man's possibilities, 
And would have turned to gods ; as true they are. 
This girl's attachment is most wonderful. (Goes to a 
distance, reclines, and is soon asleep. ) 

[Florent clad as a monk and Gregory 
enter.]— R- I. E. 



36 ^UEEAT-'S RIDDLE. 

Flo. I know no human wit can solve the riddle. 
I've traveled this broad land from coast to coast, 
I've questioned all I've met, knocked at all doors. 
I've asked the men, but chiefly I have questioned 
Each vs'oman, asking what she loved the best. 
One said she loved great riches above all; 
Another said position lofty; another power; 
Another preferred honor; another chose merriment; 
One widow pluckily said that she but hoped 
To bury a dozen husbands 'fore she died. 
Another prayed to be held chaste and wise. 
One said 'twas her ambition to be praised 
For her stability and secrecy. 
One vowed she cared for nothing half so much 
As to be fair and richly clad ; 
Another said that she were well contented 
Could she be deemed of all among her sex 
Perfection of a faithful, trusty housewife; 
Another said, "Give me a right smart man. 
Tve hunted now some years to find a husband." 
One said, "Oh, would that I were once more free 
From the loathed bonds of cursed matrimony! 
I would not wed again in a thousand years. 
Let us women have our hours all our own. 
Or, if we mate, give us a husband fool, 
Who only sees thro' his fair mistress' e3'es." 
Now, in the name of heaven, what shall I do? 
Hello! what's this? A boy and an old man 
Fatigued and sound asleep. Hello, old man ! 

O. j\I. I pray you, gently, do not waken him ! 

Flo. What business calls you to these lonely parts? 

O. M. We are in search of Arthur's Knight, Florent. 

Flo. Well, can you find no trace, no news of him ? 

O. M. Yes, that he lately wandered through these 
parts. 

'Jill. (Awakening.) O, it is he! — Oh, pardon me 
good father ! 
For I mistook your face for Knight Florent's, 
Whom we have searched for, traveling far and wide. 

Flo. What is your message to the Knight Florent? 



ACT III. 



37 



'^uL The time is brief. He must return to court. 
Flo. (Partly aside.) Yes, yes, the time is brief, 

he must return. 
^id. But J have news for him of vital moment. 



pray 



Flo. "What is the news of vital moment, 

yitl. No ears but his must hear the words I have. 
They're hidden even from my faithful guide. 

Flo. Good friends, I have a word that will surprise. 
If you, old man, wish to proceed and iind 
In 3onder village nourishment and rest. 
Within an hour or so I'll find this Knight. 

O. M. How find him, monk ? 

Flo. I know his whereabouts. 

yiil. Can we directly find him? 

Plo. Yes. 

Jul. How far ? 

Flo. An hour or two will reach him at the most. 

yiil. Kind guide, go on and rest in yonder village. 
We'll hasten off to meet this Knight Florent 
If, worthy father, you will lead the way. 

Flo. Go with him, Gregory. 

O. M. Farewell. 

yitl. Farewell, we'll reach you presently. 

[Exeunt old man and Gregory. ] — .R. I.E. 

Flo. Now, boy, what news have you.'' I must 
explain. 
I am his trusted messenger and guide. 
You cannot see him, since he is concealed. 
Nor can I see him through his messenger. 
He only lets me speak. I have his ear. 
His face I have not seen this many a day. 

yiil. You say he is concealed. 

Flo. Yes, yes, he hides. 
He is not far; perhaps a stone's throw off. 

'Jul. Oh, where ? 

Flo. Somewhat in this direction, here. (Pointing 
towards himself. ) 

yul. Oh, let us go. 

Flo. I dare not, on my word. 
Yet I most solemnly devoutly swear, 



38 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

Upon the faith that clingeth to our order, 

I vow eternal secrecy in all ; 

No other ear shall know except Florent's; 

So instantly impart this weighty news. 

Your eyes shall never see this Knight Florent. 

Jul. Oh, sir ! 

Eh. Why do you weep? 

yid. Lest some mishap might cut you off, and he 
Should never hear. 

However, I will briefly tell thee, monk: 
The maid for whom Florent is exiled, 
Finding the 3'ear was drawing to its close, 
Raging with fear lest Florent's doom be fixed, 
Has made closest inquiry, asking this: 
If power divine, or human, or from hell. 
Should solve the riddle's knotty mystery. 
An aged matron showed to her a way 
Well suited to unlock the mystery. 
That instant set her youthful soul on fire 
To seek the Knight and put her thought to test. 
She madly thought to venture forth alone, 
Attended only by a single guide. 
When I made stout objection to this step, 
She trusted all to me and my old guide. 
I'd rather die than bring unwelcome news 
To that same maid, that Florent was not found. 

Flo. What is the secret she entrusted you? 

yul. No human skill can solve the mystery'. 
Solution comes from some dark power below. 

Elo. Then witchcraft must be questioned stealthily. 

"Jill. This last resort the matron urged and said, 
If you can haply find the errant Knight, 
Then bid him hasten to the hills of Wales, 
Then seek and climb old Snowden's jagged heights, 
Where witches at this season congregate. 
The midnight hour is best, and bid him speed. 
The time is brief! Let him make speed, be off! 

Elo. A thousand several blessings on that maid! 
Oh, if I could but solve this dark enigma 
I'd turn my exile to a wedding feast. 



ACT III. 39 

If she be dead, I'm doomed a bachelor. 
Humbly I'll swear to be her slave forever. 

yi/l. What do you say ? 

Mo. What Knight Florenl would say 
If he had heard the words you lately uttered. 
My boy, what say you, will you go with me .^ 

Jul. Most gladly, sir. 

J^/o. Then you have found your man. I am Florent. 
(Throws off his disguise.) 

Jn/. Oh, sir! 

jF/o. Be not afraid. 

yi//. Oh, sir, my heart! 
I feel my heart at times is loosely strung. 

J^/o. (Sustaining her.) We will partake of food 
and rest, then go. 
We'll mount provisioned, and seek Snowden's wilds. 
But if you fear the journey, fare you well. 

yu/. Not I, good Knight Florentius, I will go. 

-F/o. Then we will hasten, not an instant lost. 
We'll question witchcraft at whatever cost. 
[Exeunt.]— R. I. E. 

Scene II. 

Rocky pass in 4. Set rocks R. and L. Region of 
Mount Snowden, Wales. 

[Thunder and lightning. Florent and Julia enter.] — 

R. 3 E. 

y///. How dark, how desolate the way has been ! 
These heavy mists night-cap old Snowden's top. 

J^/o. Follow close at my heels. 'Tis fearful dark. 
If we should part we might not meet again. 
Will you have strength to reach the summit, boy .^ 

yif/. I'll follow you till death. 

J^/o. Bravo, kind lad ! You love this maid, 
For love alone can reach such rugged heights. 

yii/. I have approved her love this many a year. 
From earliest childhood I have known her well. 
And now ripe friendship proves, the knot most firm. 



40 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

Flo. Your love is friendship, but mine has no name. 

ynl. Yet what is nobler than the love of friend? 

Elo. Why, mine, which at its foot o'ershadows 
yours. 

Jul. Your love is shadow. 

Elo. No, 'tis adamant. 

J^d. Your love is phantasy. 

Elo. 'Tis true as death. 

yiil. My love is tried. 

Elo. Mine does not need a test. 

yid. What would you do to gain your lady's love? 

Elo. I would remove each piece of Snowden's pile, 
And fling it in the sea, so she were mine. 

ytd. Your Julia should be here to hear you rave. 

Elo. I would she were, then I would prove my words. 
But boy, I had forgot, what is your name? 

Jul. Some call me by one name, some by another. 
If you desire it, name me from your love. 
Remember, sir, I have been faithful to you. 

Elo. By heaven, you have. A thousand thanks for 
that! 

Jul. You see, too, 1 am somewhat of her height. 
You see, sir, I have something of her features. 
I've often heard I am her very image. 
To soften these hard hours, then, call me Julia. 
Were I in maiden raiment now attired, 
You would at moments truly think me Julia. 

Elo. Oh, would I could one moment think you Julia. 
This night were day, and I in Arthur's Court. 

Jul. I'll keep this habit, but assume I'm she. 
I know her every motion, look and sigh. 
I know I'll play the part most perfectly. 
When we return to good King Arthur's court 
I'll find for thee not only home, but Julia, 
If haply this night's quest be not in vain. 

Elo. We'll bear up in the thundering pelting storm. 
Earthquake or hurricane shall not obstruct us. 
We'll tramp old Snowden till the riddle's solved. 
I strangely long for midnight's dreadful hour, 



ACT III. 41 

And sudden boldness pricks at every nerve. 

A strange, unwonted feeling telleth me, 

That this same hour shall show us wondrous sights. 

Ju/. Oh, may the sight direct us to the light! 

J^/o. Come, let us go. 

y^l. I'm ready, Knight, proceed. 

/7(9. Cast frequent glances on the clifts below. 
I'll watch the summit for every flitting thing. 

Ju/. Nothing shall pass us. Shadows, the thick 
clouds, 
The very air I'll boldly hail and question. 

/^/o. My lad, you have a heart that is all man. 
We'll range the mountain and invade these hags. 

[Leave. ] 

[Thunder and lightning.] — L. 3 E. 
[A witch passes over the stage. Then 
another. ] 
J^Io. (Entering.) Hello, ho! Boy, hello! Where 
are you ?- (Exit. ) 
[A company of witches enter with Julia.] — R. 
y^/. Come, hags, if you will solve this riddle for me, 
Ask what you will within my power and I 
Will grant it you. 

[Witches go to side, confer and return.] 

1 W. We'll solve this riddle, if you will join our 
band and take the vows of witchcraft. 

Jul. Must I join your band and verily become a 
witch ? 

1 W. You must become a witch to solve this riddle. 

yul. Is there any release from witchcraft? Could 
I ever become a maid again? 

1 IV. Never, unless a Knight would woo you as a 
witch, plight his troth to you as a witch, bestow the 
ring upon your witch's finger, and seal the engage- 
ment with a kiss upon your witch's lips, and when the 
marriage ceremony is performed, it must be public, in 
the presence of the court, both Knights and Ladies, 
and some King must tie the knot. Nor dare you dis- 
close to your betrothed this secret and key to your 



42 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

redemption, for, if you violate our code of witchcraft, 
you are accursed forever, and never can return to 
maidenhood. 

Jtil. 'Tis a hard bargain, witches! 
If ye will not disclose this secret to me, 
Will ye not disclose it to this valiant Knight? 

1 W. Never! We and all of our kind stand 
accursed in his code of chivalry ! We'll grant no 
favors to an enemy. 

[Julia goes to side and weeps. Returns. J 

Jul. Must I make this mighty sacrifice, and hang 
my hopes of earth and heaven upon so slender a thread ? 
(Weeps.) 

1 W. You must become a witch to solve this 
riddle. 

Jill. Then practice your hellish arts, compound 
your drugs. 
Prepare your potent charm and invoke hell. 
If you will show what women most desire 
I'll join your band, forever follow you. 
Witches. Good ! Good ! 

Jul. Unless a noble Knight will marry me; 
(Witches laugh. ) 
Ves, I have sworn I'll marry none save him. (Witches 
laugh. ) 

2 W. I've hunted one this hundred years. 

1 W. Thou fool ! 

When earth shall bump the sun you'll find a mate. 

2 W. And you when hell is frozen shore to shore. 
Jul. I have one more condition which heed well, 

That you will not disclose this to Florent. 
Howe'er he plead, you shall not answer him. 
The secret's mine alone. What say you, hags? 

1 W, Thy offer we approve. Lay thine arm bare. 

Jul. What will you do? 

1 W. My blood and thine must mingle? 

Jul. My word's enough. 

i° W. Blood showeth thee sincere. 

Jul. Then draw it quickly. 



ACT III. 48 

1 W. Baubo, fetch the cup. 
Come, Lilith, strike ! 

'Jill. How painless, quick and red ! 

[Baubo catches the blood in the crown of 
a skull.] 
B. Enou<^h ! 

Lil. Then cease to flow, and vanish spot. 
1 W. Now touch thy lips. 
JiiJ. I drink, 
1 W. I bid thee speed. 

[The witches all round her bow to the 
very ground. ] 
All. We are thy slaves until thy work be done. 

[1 W. beats time; the witches dance 
about her hand in hand to weird 
music. ] 
1 W. Come, come, join hands and round her speed. 
Tell earth and air and hell the deed, 
Another soul has joined our crew! 

[Wildly gesticulating upward and then 
downward. ] 
Hurrah! Shoohoo! Owow ! Shoohoo ! 

All. [Suddenly stop dancing and with similar 
gestures. ] 
Hurrah! Shoohoo! Owow! Shoohoo! 

1 W. (All dancing again.) Thou spirit of the 
nether night. 
Up in the mountains speed thou light ; 
Let witchcraft's work be quickly through! 

[Standing with arms above her head and 
whirling in her place rapidly, then 
throwing out her arms repeatedly, as 
if drawing in a line. ] 
Hurrah! Shoohoo! Owow! Shoohoo! 

[All do the same and continue as in act 
of drawing in a line, until it thunders 
and lightnings. ] 



U QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

1 W. Enough, enough ! The spirit's nigh ! 
Now form the charm ! Around her fly ! 

[They whirl hand in hand about her with 
the utmost speed. ] 
Once! Twice! Thrice! 

[Wildly gesticulating.] 
Up, show thyself and quickly pass ! 

[Thunder and lightning.] 
Jul What's this.? 

[An apparition of a woman holding a 
crown passes quickly over the stage. ] 
Enough, enough, I understand ! 

[The witches come to Julia to congratu- 
late her, slapping her on the shoul- 
der, shaking her hand violently, 
pulling her about, laughing, jeering, 
screeching, hopping about, etc. They 
besmear her face and throw over her 
"-y^j^^ a witch's cloak and cap.] 

1 W. ^sisters, for the dance! — 

VERSE I. 

Hurrah, join, form the devil's reel ! 

Hurrah, shout, stamp, mark toe and heel. 

All in the circle panting. 

Now, strike to left. 

Now kick to right. 

Now each one for the center fight. 

And screech ow, ow, and yell shoohoo, shoohoo ! 

Shoohoo, owow, shoohoo! 

VERSE II. 

Squeak witches' music by the yard. 

Fortissimo, allegro, bard ! 

All jeering and careering. 

Now oil your toes 

With witches' lard ! 

Fly up, fl}' down, now soft, now hard ! 

And screech owow, and 3'ell shoohoo, shoohoo! 

Shoohoo! Owow! Shoohoo! 

[Thunder and lightning.] 



ACT III. 45 

Flo. (R. 3 E. Entering) Ho, boy, ho! Hello boy, 
help ho ! — ■ 

[Witches all suddenly stop dancing. 
Lightning.] 
Ha ! Here they are ! Good evening all. I find a 
merry company. I pray you do not let me interrupt 
your mirth. 

1 W. What brings you such a distance, Knight? 

Flo. I follow a most difficult quest. 

1 W. What is your quest? 

Flo. I seek to know what it is that women love the 

best. 
1 W. That is easily done. 
(With gestures) : What women trow 
To love the best 
The Knight would know. 
Thy power I'll test. 
Now quickly show. 
(Tableau of gold, jewelry, etc.) 
Flo. Gold, omnipotent gold, monarch of all mon- 
archs, — what mean you, that everything may be bought 
and sold, that every man and woman is purchasable? 
I tell you plainly I do not like your picture. There is 
a rarer jewel than any yonder, the jewel that sparkles 
from the eye and binds two hearts together. 
(Tableau, two lovers.) 
What's this, a fond couple, bound together in the 
eternal bonds of love? What, have I a choice or are 
you deluding me ? 

(Tableau, the devil.) 

[Witches all scream.] 
Fiends, death and damnation light on you! (Draws.) 
[Thunder and lightning. Witches disap- 
pear. Julia remains behind. | 
Flo. I'll hold brief converse with you. Stop, I 
pray ! 

Jul. What do you seek on Snowden's rocky 
heights? 
Is your way lost, or what is your distress? 
Ah, by your face I see 3'our mind's disturbed. 
Speak Knight, we hags are bound to serve your sex. 



46 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

Flo. You guess aright. My doom is well nigh 
sealed. 
It is decreed that I shall be exiled 
Unless I find what women most desire. 
I've wandered far and wide and questioned thousands. 
The long and dreary year I've searched and suffered, 
And now, I am no nearer to my goal. 
Help, grand dame, help! If thou wilt solve the riddle, 
Ask what thou wilt and I will give it thee. 

JtiJ. Grant me then quickly that thou'lt marry me. 
And I'll assure thee, by dread witchcraft's power, 
My answer'll satisfy all of our sex. 
Both maids and wives and widows shall agree. 

Flo. Speak not in sport. 

yiiL I speak most earnestly. 

Flo. Joke not, hag. 

Jul. Do you not hear my words? 

Flo. How old art thou"? (Patting her under the 
chin. ) 

Jul. I'm not an hour old. 

Flo. Foul hag, thou liest! 

Jul. Did witchcraft ever lie? 

Flo. You stayed behind, I now perceive, to mock. 

yul. I stayed behind to save thee from exile. 

Flo. It were the foullest death to marry thee. 

Jul. That thou must do to save thee from exile. 

Flo. (Aside.) If I can once extract the answer 
from her, 
Surely the queen will not compel this match. — 
Well, thou hast conquered me at last, my crone. 
Thy offer I'll accept, and I am thine. 

Jtil. Then hand me the engagement ring. 

Flo. Here 'tis. 

Jul. Now seal it with a kiss. 

Flo. Oh, Lord! 

Jtil. Come, love ! 

Flo. Here 'tis. 

Jul. There then. 

Flo. You do not kiss like a witch. 



ACT III. 



47 



yiil. I swear you'll kiss me with a relish, yet. 
Our contract sealed I will fulfill my vow. 
Now whither wilt thou go? 
-Flo. To Arthur's court. 

yul. We will proceed and fear not on the way. 
We'll find thy steed, a devil will lead the way. 
Haste, mount thy horse, I'll sit close at thy side. 
As we advance, I'll teach thee what to say. 

jFIo. I've lost a comrade somewhere in these wilds, 
Let us find him, I pray, before we start. 

yitl. Mean'st thou a lad, called Julia, from the 
king ? 
He'll be at Camelot, when you arrive. 
So come, make haste, already I see your fate. 
We'll reach the court before it is too late. 

[Florent and Julia go up run to platform. 
Witches re-enter and form tableau. ] 
Curtain. 




ACT IV. 

Apartment of Female Court. Curtains in rear. 

[Florent and Julia enter.] — L. I. E. 
yul. Now left alone, one fond embrace. (She 

embraces him.) 
J^Io. Oh Death! (Breaks away.) 
Keep thy accursed claws from off my body. 
Accursed lot! Keep off, and not a word. 
ytil. Why not a word ? 
J^Io. I say my mouth is closed. 
yuL Nay, be not angry, be not vexed my dear, 
And husband, but pronounce my fault. 
Flo. Not I. (Turns his back.) 
yul. Tell me wherein I am to blame. 
Flo. Not I. 

yul. Come, let me take you in my arms ! 
Flo. Not I. (Moves away. She follows him.) 
yiil. Come, come, be not so shy ! One arm I beg ! 
[She slips one arm about him and puts 
one of his about her.] 
Now tell me, dear, why is it you are sad .^ 

Flo. (Shudders.) You are so old, so homely, 
withered, black. 
Jack Lechery could not be moved by you. 

yul. And is that all, my dearest, sweetest man? 
Flo. And is that not enough.^ Have you not heard 
That man should take a younger for a spouse? 
And I to-day must mate my great granddame. 

yul. And is this all, beloved spouse? Speak on! 
Flo. And you are sprung from such accursed stock. 
yul. Have you not heard that we are sprung from 

heaven ? 
Flo. You know you were born and brought up in 
hell. 



ACT /v. 



49 



'yiil. No, no, my lord, for we precede dame Eve. 
And are the first that Adam did compound. 
His first wife, Lilith, gave us birth. 'Tis true ! 
And Eve is but our aged step-mother. 
You have the fairer outward show, I know, 
But we are inward mightiei far than you. 
What would the world without us witches be? 

(One arm around his neck and takes his hand. ) 
Flo. (Breaks away. ) Stop! Shall I love the devil 

against my will ? 
Jtd. (Follows him.) The devil is not half so bad 
a fellow 
As idlers urge and sinners loudl}' bellow. 
Not thoughtlessly the Eternal dropped this weed, 
To rear you lazy Knights for manly deeds, 
And lets the Devil sprout for all eternity. 
For the Devil's true name is Sir Necessity. 
And not to shun this prince, is our salvation. 
Naught ails the Devil save his reputation. 
He's born to be affronted and amused. 
The bold are saved but cowards are abused. 
Up, challenge him, and fight and godlike grow ! 
Only through Satan can we heavenward go ! 

Flo. You tire me from foot to ver}' crown. 
Satan and women never can run down. 

yiil. You know but little of women and the devil. 
(Taking his hand.) Long, long years hence, when 

we are bent with age, 
When children grown shall guide our tottering steps. 
We'll go together at the beck of death. 
But now, rejoice, dear Knight, we soon are one. 
(Kisses F, ) 
Flo. Were it not for your age, your stock, your 
face. 
Your shrewish temper with a restless tongue, 
I might resign me to a fate like this. 
But though I see you love me, flattering hag, 
And have a reason I cannot rebut, 
I tell you plainly I'll not wed alive. 

[Exit Florent followed by Jul.]— L. 2 E. 
Vivien and Catherine enter.] — R. 2 E. 
Cath. Think you there is a servant in the kingdom 
so ill paid as I for this vile work? 



50 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

Viv. (Gives a coin.) Here. Is there any one 
about? Look behind that curtain. (C. steps to cur- 
tain and opens slightly while Vivien looks out at the 
sides.) 

Cath. No, there is no one here. (Looks at the 
coin and smiles. ) 

I7z'. Why do you smile? Here, take this. (Gives 
her another coin. ) Does that stop your fault-hnding 
mouth ? 

CatJi. Stop my mouth ? Nay, my mouth would 
hold a basket full of such as this. 

Viv. Here, shrivel-heart, for your ingratitude. 
(Throws a handful of coin at C.'s feet. C. picks them 
up.) 

Cath. Now you are coming to your senses; for, of 
the bold and reckless undertakings of my day, yours 
eclipses them all. Your attempt to forge Guinevere's 
handwriting in that book was such a clumsy effort that — ■ 

Viv. Yet, it worked perfectly ! 

Cath. The queen's testimony will — 

Viv. Will be of no avail. She is the party accused. 
Whoever heard of an accused person testifying in favor 
of herself. 

Cath. Then the Knight's testimony will— 

Viv. Will never be heard. He will never again 
show his face in Camelot! 

Cath. But this forged note which the king has in 
his possession ? 

Viv. Who will be able to prove the knight's hand 
if the knight is absent? 

Cath. And the handkerchief which you contrived 
to get from Florent — 

Viv. I understand ! 

Cath. On the plea that you had lost yours — 

Viv. Yes, yes, yes, why so explicit about all these 
things? You talk just as if there was somebody listen- 
ing, while 3'ou explain this matter. (Starts for the 
curtain. ) 

Cath. In your mad recklessness to dethrone Guine- 
vere — ■ 

Viv For heaven's sake, not so loud! 

Cath. — and place the crown upon your head, you 
have resorted to means not only most despicable, but 



ACT IV. 51 

the most rash! (Vivien forces a laugh.) First, you 
poison the ears of the king by a thousand little acts 
inciting his jealousy, — 

Vlv. Well— 

Cai/i. —-then you pour a stream of falsehood into 
the knight's ears to make him believe that the queen 
loves him, — • 

V/v. Well,— 

Cat/i. —then you find the queen and tell her the 
knight is desperately in love with her. 

Vk'. Well, well,— 

Cai/i. You get up a flirtation, the King takes it 
most seriously and well nigh runs mad with jealousy. — • 

V?z'. Yes, but what are you — 

Cal/i. Then you forge a note — 

Vzv. (Trembling.) Great God, I thought I saw 
the curtain move. (Greatly excited.) 

Ca^/i. You are somewhat nervous. But, 'tis likely, 
though, for the windows are open letting in the breeze. 

Viv. Heavens ! What a fright that gave me ! 
(Sinks into chair. ) 

CW//. You give him credit for a vast deal of 
shrewdness — indeed you do! (Vivien rises.) 

Viv. Why, Catherine, it will astonish you to see 
what complete control I have of Arthur, twisting him 
about my finger at will. 

Ciit/i. He is a man of too noble a character to be 
dealt with thus. 

Viv. Ah, yes. a noble blockhead ! 

Cal/i. He certainly has judgment and discernment. 

Viv. A wee bit, enough to keep him warm. 

Cat/i. He is a splendid specimen of knightly valor. 

Viv. And needs a shrewd woman behind the 
throne. You see, I have taken pity on him. When 
Vivien is queen, we'll have another Arthur. 

Cai/i. So be it, but I have my doubts about the 
success of your — 

Viv. Have no fears! He is more easily imposed 
upon than any of his Knights. 

Cai/i. So you are marrying a man whom you can- 
not even respect, much less love? 

Viv. I am not marrying the man, I am marrying 
the king. 1 shall furnish the brains and let him furnish 



52 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

the love. I think I can endure the union, provided 
there are gems enough in my crown, and provided he 
does not live too long. (Nudging her) Some day I 
can find a younger man more to my taste. 

[King and queen come out from behind 
curtain C. ] 

King: Go find him now ! (Vivien staggers back. ) 
I think a dungeon is the meetest place for her ! (Vivien 
sinks into a chair, rises again.) 

^leen. Drive her from the court ! That is enough 
for me. (V. trembles, makes a dash at Catherine, 
then staggers back and slowly withdraws L.) Fare- 
well thou gilded infidelity ! 

Ki)ig. Come, let us celebrate our second marriage. 
(Kisses queen. ) 

[song. ] ^ 

Let others, ogle maids, admire 'em. 

Love the fair damsels, wintand fool 'em, 

But as for me, my bonny m'stress, 

Her, her alone will I kiss and caress! 

My lilly of Britain, my peerless queen, 

My wife, my wife, my wife, 

Will do for me ! 

So lovers attend : — ■ 

All true lovers be. 

And come to some good end ! 

Now, if your wife have a freckle or two, 
Freckles are nil when the heart is true. 
A bit of powder will make her fair, 
And chemicals will freshen her hair. 
Call her your lilly, call her your queen. 
Your wife, your wife, your wife, 
Will do for you ! 
So, lovers attend : — 
All be lovers true. 
And come to some good end ! 

Now, married men who dare to roam 
From their sweet wives, when away from home, 
Out, out on such rogues! No scullions for me! 
None, none but my merry spouse will I see! 
My lilly of Britain, my matchless queen, 



ACT IV. 53 

My wife, my wife, my wife, 

Will do for me ! 

So lovers attend : — ■ 

Who false lovers be, 

Will come to some bad end! (All leave R. 2 E. ) 

[Julia opens and stands between parted curtains.] 
Here is the room, the hour, the spot. 
This narrow space decides my lot. 
Within this box, this hole, this nitche. 
Free is the Knight, entrapped the witch ! 
Crushed and destroyed all witchcraft's power 
If he's not mine within an hour! 
He'll smartly sweat for all my pain^ 
But then rejoice in double gain. 

(Closes and steps back.) 
[Enter King, Queen and Court R.] 
[Messenger enters.] — .L I. E. 

Giiiii.. What news? 

Mess. Your Knight Florent has returned to Camelot. 
He waits your bidding at the door, and humbly asks 
To presently appear before the Court. 
And rumor hath it he came not alone, 
But slinked in ere the dawn beside a witch 
As black and filthy as contagion. 
There is some mystery wrapped in her weeds. 
This day may see strange visages and deeds. 

Giiiii. Bid him enter. 

I'&t Lady. The valiant Knight is here. 
What answer think you? 

2nd Lady. Are we to be the jury? 

Gain. We must all pass judgment. Here comes 
the Knight! 

[Enter Florentius.] — ^L. I. E. 
Welcome, good Knight Florent, we honor you 
That you have come so close upon the hour 
When you were bid to answer our decree. 
Now, without further words, I bid you speak. 
Your answer give, what women strive for most. 

Flo. Most noble Queen, 
What women most desire is sovereignty. 
The man must be the puppet, you must reign, 
Make every beck and look and turn your gain. 
When at the altar's fragrant step weVe found. 



54 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

You hold our soul in feof, when once were bound. 
You women all do stoutly strive to rule. 
'Tis vainly thought by many a dull brained fool 
The strength of boasting man bends all things to it. 
'Tis all illusion ! Woman 'tis shines through it. 
You would be masters; we but slaves forever. 
For man's a rogue, and mastery suits him never. 

Guin. I must confess, your wit is strangely shrewd. 

1st Lady. He is inspired! 

2nd Lady. 'Tis wonderful ! 

3rd Lady. 'Tis true ! 

Guin. What say the rest? Are all agreed? 

Ladies. We are ! 

Guin. Knight, we discharge you, you are free to go. 

Flo. My benefactor, gracious Queen, I thank you ! 
(Kneels.) 

(Kisses her hand and starts to leave.) 

Jid. (Coming forward.) Stop, sir, another bene- 
factor speaks ! 
Most worthy King, 'twas I that taught the Knight 
What answer he should give to your demand. 
And he has firmly plighted me his troth. (Shows 

ring.) 
I now demand fulfillment of his vow. 

King. What do you say, Florentius, to the hag? 

Elo. I do confess, most worthy King, 'tis true. 
But hope you will not press me to this match. 

King. You promised by your faith to wed this 
crone ? 

Elo. Yes, but you will not force this union, King ; 
Although my lips were bold to sanction it, 
It came not from my heart, most worthy King. 

"yid. Your heart or not, you promised to marry me. 

Flo. Should I, earth-born, wed you? 

Jul. Yes, prudently. 

Flo. No, no, old woman ! 

King. Did you not, Knight, yourself make her your 
wife ? 

Flo. It was an evil hour ! I curse it, King ! 

King. You have consented. Her appeal is just. 

Flo. Na}', pity me, and think vou, what a fate! 

lining. She's your salvation, Knight, and 'tis too 
"late. 

Flo. You will not force me to embrace this hag? 



ACT IV. 



55 



I much prefer quick death! Take thou my life! 
I'll never marry this mad, withered crone! 

A7//0-. Arthur decrees that you shall marry her. 
J^/o. Come, hag, if you'll pronounce me this day free, 
My goods, my lands, aught else I own are yours! 
yul. I scorn your pelf, your unaffected gold ! 
A richer treasure I shall find in you. 

J^/o. I'll pay you worthy tribute while I live. 

Ynl. I'll live upon the tribute of your love. 

J^/o. (Falls at her feet.) Then let me live your 

slave, but not your husband ! 
y/f/. (Her hand on his head.) You'll be my hus- 
band in about one minute. 
(To the King.) We are ready! 

King. Well, Knight, arise ! Now, bride and groom 
join hands. 

(He gets up; they join hands.) 
Now, wilt thou take this woman, Knight Florent? 
Flo. (Throwing away her hand.) Oh, king, I 
love but one! Her name is Julia. 
My life is naught unless I marry her. 
I loved her from the moment I iirst saw her. 
'Tis death itself to make me wed the hag. 

(Ladies gather to one side and talk earnestly.) 
King: I say, join hands, as I have bidden you. 
Ladies. Shame! shame! The poor Knight! Have 
pity, have mercy ! 

(Crowding around the King.) 
King: I have decreed that he shall marry her. 
Now,. wilt thou take this woman, Sir Knight Florent? 
K/o. Against my will and better fate, 1 do. (Takes 

her hand. ) 
King. What is your name? 
yul. My name is Julia, sir. 

Kh. (Flinging away her hand.) Heaven's light- 
nings blast thy cursed lips for that! 
'Tis not enough that I should marry her. 
But she must mock me with the name I love. 

King: Her wit is somevvhat shrewd, the more your gain. 
Knight, we will not dispute about the name. 
Now, Julia, will you take this man to wed? 

yul. With all my heart, I'll take him for all time. 
And him I'll make all happiest of men. 



56 QUEEN'S RIDDLE. 

King. Then, I pronounce you man and wife forever. 
Jul. Now, Knight, before one unkind word shall 
pass, 
Of two things which 1 may possess you of, 
I'll freely make my offer. You take one. 
Now, shall I give you beauty, grace and form, 
One of the fairest forms the sex contains, 
A wife possessed of all the female charms, 
And yet possessed of all their frailties, 
Perhaps as ficlke as Helena of Troy? 
Or, will you, on the other hand, have me 
As I am now, old, withered, black and bent, 
Yet rid of all the vices of my sex, 
Your dear, affectionate, tender, loving spouse, 
Your most obedient slave, in all things true, 
The very essence of fidelity. 
To worship, live and die but for her lord? 
Speak, Florent, husband, choose! You have your 
choice. 
Flo. My lord, she claims that by dread witchcraft's 
power 
She can transform her being as she wills ; 
To be a perfect beauty, or a crone. 
I am afraid to face the cunning hag. 

Jul. Well, husband, what's your choice ? 

(Behind him with her hand on his shoulder.) 
Flo. I leave the choice with you, you know the best. 
Jul. Well, Knight Florent, since you are turned 
the wife, 
Since I am now your husband and your lord. 
Since you repose some judgment in a woman, 
And grant us sovereignty at last, 
I'll give you all I have, and that is both, 
I'll give both beauty and fidelity. (Throwing off her 

veil and cloak. ) 
I am your loving, most obedient wife. 
And I am he that showed you to Mount Snowden. 
When there, I thought I'd join the witches for you. 

Flo. I've found niy lad, my witch, my wife, my Julia ! 
She has more pluck than any man in town ! 
Let women wear the trousers, man the gown ! 
The female head's the head deserves the crown. 

Curtain. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

i1IMIIIIIIIII'llll1li|||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 



020 994 020*6 



M 






